Diego Costa 'refusing to train' after Atletico Madrid open disciplinary proceedings over eight-game ban
The Spanish international was handed a four-game suspension for the comments - which he says were aimed at himself - and a further four-game sanction for grabbing the referee's arm
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Diego Costa is reportedly refusing to train for Atletico Madrid after the club opened up disciplinary proceedings against the striker.
Costa was handed an eight-game ban for his actions towards the referee in Atletico Madrid's defeat to Barcelona earlier this month - four for abusive language and four more for grabbing the official's arm.
It means that the Brazil-born forward's season is over, with his red card in the 0-2 defeat at the Nou Camp also ending Atleti's chase of Barca and their title hopes.
Atletico responded by opening disciplinary proceedings against Costa, owing to the severity of his offences, and the striker has refused to train according to local newspaper AS.
Late goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi almost certainly handed the defending champions a fourth title in five years despite the best efforts of Diego Simeone's side.
The goals came with Atleti down to 10 men following Costa's first-half dismissal for comments made to referee Gil Manzano.
Manzano's post-match report said: “In the 28th minute, number 19… Diego Costa was sent off for the following reason: saying to me loudly, in the following terms: ‘I s**t on your w**** mother, I s**t on your w**** mother!’”
The Spanish authorities have now taken action handing the Spanish international a four-game suspension for the comments and a further four-game sanction for grabbing the referee's arm.
Costa has also been fined €6000. Atletico have the power to appeal against the decision.
Teammate Koke revealed that Costa had apologised to rest of his team and had insisted he had not insulted the referee and that comments were aimed at himself.
“Something always happens to us when we come here,” added Koke. "In the last 11 games, I think there have been seven red cards and not all of them have been fair.
"We must try to stay as high as possible in LaLiga. We will have to watch what happened [against Barcelona].
"What we talk about stays inside the dressing room and no one has to know [what is said]."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments